Health concerns postpone closing arguments in Hong Kong democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s trial

Health concerns postpone closing arguments in Hong Kong democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s trial

HONG KONG, Aug 15 — Closing arguments in the national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy figure and media tycoon Jimmy Lai were postponed on Friday after his lawyer said he experienced heart palpitations.

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HONG KONG, Aug 15 — Closing arguments in the national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy figure and media tycoon Jimmy Lai were postponed on Friday after his lawyer said he experienced heart palpitations.

The court adjourned the proceedings to allow the 77-year-old to receive medication and undergo heart monitoring, with closing submissions set to resume on Monday.

Lai, founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper—closed following a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021—has pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material.

Several Western governments, including the United States, have called for his immediate release, arguing that the trial is politically driven and part of a broader national security crackdown in the China-ruled territory.

In a media interview on Thursday, former US president Donald Trump said he would “do everything I can to save him.” — Reuters

A correctional services van (left) holding Jimmy Lai arrives at the West Kowloon court after Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai arrived for his national security trial in Hong Kong on August 15, 2025. — AFP pic

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